2 comments/ 82743 views/ 5 favorites Rocky Mountain "Hi" By: palles I didn't know if I should be upset or thankful. My teenage son had wanted only one thing for Christmas, a trip to Bolder, Colorado with his two best friends to go snowboarding. Because they were not 18, they needed a parent to go with them. As my husband was the junior member of his partnership, he needed to work. I on the other hand was middle management and could get the week before Christmas. So, I was elected to drive the 6 hours. Of course the boys wanted to take their own car, leaving me to drive the 300 miles in the truck with the week's worth of supplies for the cabin. On the upside, I would be spending the next four days in a cabin by myself while the boys snowboarded. On the downside, I would be spending the next four days by myself in a cabin while the boys snowboarded. There would be no cell phone service, no internet, no cable TV. Our son, Jason, had found a cabin which rented at a fraction of the cost of the resort hotel at the slopes. But it was bare bones, very bare. My husband had suggested that I could spend the day in the resort lounge, and even kidded me about getting picked up by some rich guy with a broken arm. Fat chance! At just over forty, and mother of 3 children, I was not feeling real sexy. My breasts had grown with each pregnancy from a modest "C" to rather pendulous "EE." I had long ago turned the corner into a "full figured" girl, not quite a "BBW" but did not consider myself to be a "MIFL" either. The first day, I spent catching up on reading for work and doing a couple of projects I had wanted to finish. But the time seemed to drag slower than slow. I was starting to think that "relaxation" was overrated. It was not taking me any time at all to start to understand the whole concept of "cabin fever." The boys returned and I had hot chocolate and light snacks ready. I listened to them try and outdo each other with story after story until they decided that only going to bed would get them to the slopes sooner. I retired to bed. I had toyed with the idea of bringing my favorite dildo to the cabin with me, but at the last minute decided that it would be very embarrassing if anything went wrong and one of the boys found my toy. My husband expected some type of sex nearly every night, if not fucking; he would masturbate or play with my tits or pussy. Sex had become part of my bedtime routine, with him gone and perhaps the most boring day of my married life behind me, I felt anything but sex starved. I wondered what my husband would be doing and with thoughts of his jacking off to some fuck story or internet hottie, I drifted off to sleep, sans sex. The next two days went pretty much like the first day. Thursday morning broke with sounds and smells of the boys frying bacon and making coffee. They were anxious to hit the slopes. I was anxious about staying in the cabin. So I decided that I could at least check out the resort. I offered them a ride to the slopes, which they politely accepted. It was not "cool" to have "mom" drop them off, and I guess I knew and accepted that, but I did want to get out of the cabin. I dropped them off before finding a parking spot near the resort. I had coffee at the café and then found a comfortable chair in which to sit and read. Time passes nearly as slowly in the lounge as it did in the cabin and no sight of any unattached man, maimed or otherwise. People come to ski resorts to ski. And they generally do not come alone. I started to get upset with my husband for letting our son talk us into this "gift." It was nearly noon, and I treated myself to a meal in the pricy hotel restaurant. It was not in the budget, but with every passing moment I was less and less concerned with the budget and more and more concerned with not dieing from terminal boredom. I left the restaurant and headed out of the hotel with visions of shopping malls dancing in my head. It was then that the small sign advertising the "mid-week" massage special. "Half price" seemed like a good enough deal. I had been working hard. I had driven all the way up to the mountain. I had had a couple of really boring days and I certainly could use a good massage. I walked up to the counter. "How much for a massage?" I asked. "We have several options, it is hard to make a quote, it all depends on what you want. Here is a price list." Replied the desk clerk with an overtone of "if you have to ask, you can not afford it" in her voice. I scanned the price list "total body massage, with scented oils." That sounded good, it sounded very good. I had always wondered about the whole "total body" thing. I had enjoyed "therapeutic" massages before but they had always fallen short of a "total body" massage, and I was more than curious. "I would like to schedule a massage." I summed up my courage. "Would you like it today?" Said the rather curt young lady while glancing at her watch. "Well, I was hoping." I replied. "It is nearly 1:00 PM now." She said. "And the spa closes at 2:30 PM today." "I understand if there is not an opening." I started to turn and leave. "I didn't say we didn't have an opening. We have a half hour from 2:00 to 2:30." She suggested. I had wanted an hour massage, but at this point a half would do as well. So I accepted the appointment and decided to watch the skiers for the next hour. The anticipation mounted as my mind raced. I wondered, would it be a male or a female who would apply the scented oil to my "total body." In the past 20 years no other man had touched my shoulders or my back, let alone my "total body." In less than two hours I would know exactly what "total" in the "total body" meant. Little did I know that in two hours I would be more confused than ever. A few minutes before 2:00 PM the spa paged me and soon I was being shown to a small changing room and given a fluffy gown. The young woman told me to disrobe and that "Sandy" would be right with me. "Sandy," still no clue as to the gender. I was looking for some relaxation, and for some reason I was getting tenser with each passing moment. "Ok, these are professionals, it should not matter, it is like going to the doctor." I kept telling myself, trying to convince myself that it would be ok, whatever "total" meant and whoever was applying the oil. I was escorted to the candle-lit room with little more than a massage table and smaller table with a CD player. The walls had mirrors on them, as did the ceiling. "Take off the robe and lie down on the table on your stomach; you can place this towel over your bottom." The young blond explained. "Sandy will be right in." "Thank you." I said. She left the room and pulled the door behind her. I dropped the robe trying to avoid the mirrors as I lifted myself atop the table. With some degree of effort I adjusted the towel over my "bottom." There was a soft knock on the door. "Come in." I said softly, half afraid of who might be coming in and how they might react to my less then trim body. The door opened and I looked up to the mirror to see the light from the hallway expose the figure in the doorway. Sandy was a woman somewhat younger than I. "Hi, I'm Sandy." She smile and looked down at me. "and you are..." "Relieved you are not a man" I interruppted, regretting the words almost as soon as they were uttered. "I'm sorry, I'm Rebecca." I said with an anxious tone in my voice. "Don't worry sweetie, I get that a lot." Sandy said with a softness, that in and of itself relaxed me. "I am afraid that there has been a mistake however. The total body massage takes an hour, and there is only a half hour left." "Oh, that's ok, I'm good for whatever." I said, not knowing if I was relieved or disappointed. She started with my shoulders, her fingers worked like magic. As she massaged by shoulders and my back she chatted. Actually, I chatted and she listened. As I relaxed I unloaded my tale of woe and my dealing with the terminal boredom. "Look, I feel bad about this. Did you really want a total body massage?" Sandy asked. "Well, I have never had one before, so I really don't know." I confessed. "I would like to make it up to you. I have to leave here at 2:30, but we can finish this up in my room. I have my own table. I normally don't make such offers, but in this case, I will. It sounds like you really need a break today." She smiled warmly and lightly traced her fingertips down my back. "Well, I don't know what to say, I would not want to impose." I replied. "Look, I get a little bored myself. I've had a slow day, in fact you were the only appointment this whole afternoon. The snow has been great and everybody is on the slopes." She explained. "The only appointment!" I thought to myself how the little bitch at the front desk had stabbed me in the back just because I was not a "guest" at the resort. "Get dressed and I will meet you in the bar in a few minutes." I quickly dressed and made my way to the lounge bar. Before long Sandy showed up. "Did you order a drink?" She asked. "I don't normally drink in the afternoon. But, I guess one would not hurt." I ordered a margarita and Sandy ordered an imported beer. Over the drink she explained that she had been divorced and returned to school and was doing her "massage internship" at the resort. She also explained that the lodge had rules against mingling with "guests" but that since I was not technically a guest, it would be ok for us to spend some time together and relieve each other's boredom. We decided to go shopping and have supper before finishing the massage. She explained that to do otherwise would be anticlimactic. She insisted that I would sleep much better if she waited until after we shopped and had supper. It seemed reasonable to me, so we took her care to the nearest boutiques, ending at a little lingerie shop. We had looked at jewelry and artwork all day without buying anything. Sandy insisted that we just "had to" buy something. I picked out a long white nightgown. She found a teal teddy. We paid for our purchases and headed for the car. It was nearly 5:00 PM when we found a little out of the way restaurant. We enjoyed more conversation over the meal and another drink. I paid for the meal over Sandy's polite objection. She insisted on leaving the tip and we headed for her room at the lodge. We entered through a side door and she opened the door to reveal two queen beds, a kitchenette and small sitting area. "Come in." She beckoned. As I walked in she suggested that we get more comfortable by changing into our new lingerie and having another drink. "You can change in there if you would be more comfortable." She offered as she pointed to the bathroom door. I shed my clothes and slipped into the silk nightgown. The smooth material stimulated my sensitive nipples with my every movement. They responded by becoming rock hard, forming clearly visible points through the thin silk. I folded my clothes and tucked my panties and bra between by shirt and jeans, before leaving the room. "Wow, you look great!" Sandy said "You can put those there." She said pointing to a chair. Sandy did not look so bad herself. She was 5'5" and at 130 pounds was not thin, but not fat either, just a normal woman. Her breasts were a full "C" cup, nicely filling out the top of the teal teddy. Her hair was light auburn. She opened a couple of Seagram's wine coolers, and we laughed as she told stories about her ex-husband's antics. It was not long before our coolers were gone and we started on the last two of the pack. As we finished our drinks, she said "Are you still up for the massage?" "Look, you really don't have to, you are off work." I did not want to impose. "I took massage classes because I really enjoy giving massages." She confessed. "I would love to finish what we started in the spa. If it would make you feel better, I could give you a friendly massage, instead of a professional massage!" She giggled. "Ok, were is your table?" I quizzed. "The table is for the professional massage." She said as she stood up and headed for the closest bed. She patted the quilt covering and whispered "This will work fine for just a friendly massage." I walked towards the bed and she stood to great me. "Let me help you with that." She grasped the edge of the gown near my hips and lifted up. I instinctively raised my hands over my head. There was no towel offered to cover my bottom or anything else. As she pulled the gown up over my eyes she got a clear view of my closely cropped brown pussy hair and my breasts. Normally I am very shy and self conscious regarding my body. She had plenty of time to view my large dark brown areolas and still firm pencil thick nipples. She turned and pulled down the quilt and top sheet and quickly moved out of my way in an instant. I crawled into the bed, giving her a nice view of my ass as I wiggled into a comfortable position. The bed moved as she knelt on the bed and then positioned herself with one thigh on either side of my body. Her hands rubbed oil on my back. She did my shoulders and back. I felt her fingers work down my sides and stroke the outer edges of my breasts. Strangely, I wanted to lift my torso to allow her fuller access, an impulse I resisted and attributed to the wine coolers. She wiggled her way backwards as she moved first to my ass and then down my legs. As her hands moved on my ass I started to feel a warmth between my legs. I spread my legs slightly to allow her easier access to my upper thighs, but her hands went only so far before retreating once again. She leaned forward and I left a strange sensation as her nipples touched my back. She pulled her body down my back as her breasts slid down my oiled skin. She did this several times until she lifted her right leg and knelt on my left side. The stillness as broke by the sound of her hand smacking my ass, "roll over!" She reached across my body and rolled me over. I looked up, first into her eyes and they down to her tits. In contrast to my, her areolas were light pink and much smaller, my husband called such areolas "puffies." Her nipples however were much larger, both thicker and longer than mine. I had seen such breasts in my husband's collection of porn, but never in real life. She caught my extended gaze. "Do you like?" I could not help myself, I nodded and smiled. With that she once again was astride me and massaging my shoulders. Then she applied oil to her hands. She brushed it, first around the sides, and then to bottom of my breasts. She moved the oil upwards and inwards towards my areolas and nipples, but falling short. She then applied more oil to her hands, and this time, instead of applying it to my skin, she worked it into her own smaller breasts. Once again she leaned forwards and used her breasts to "massage" mine, her nipples brushed against mine. I fixed my eyes on hers. I returned her smile. She glanced from my eyes to my lips and back again. The heat between my legs increased as she leaned forward again, this time placing one hand on the bed on either side of my face. Her hair fell forward, I cocked my head to the right as did she and our lips met. Tentatively at first and then with more force and intensity until out mouths parted and our tongues explored the moist caverns. The massage had clearly shifted from therapeutic to "friendly." Our mouths parted. "Are you ok?" She said as I softly bit my lip. "Yes." I whispered. Honestly, I did not know if I was ok or not. I just new that like a 17 year old virgin in the back of a Chevy, I had gone way to far to turn back now. Once again she lowered her head, once again we kissed. This time when out lips parted she once again inched her body down mine. But this time she was not kneading, she was kissing. Her lips kissed my breasts; licking and nibbling until she finally reached my nipples, which she sucked, licked and nibbled until I started to squirm. She lifted her head, sat up and turned. Her reach was rewarded by a silver chain, which she dangled in front of me. "What is that?" I asked. "These are nipple clamps, would you like me to put them on you?" She replied. I inhaled and nodded in the affirmative. And I watched, wide-eyed, as she snapped the black rubber clamps unto my nipples. The clamps were attached to each other by a chain and jointly linked to another chain in the middle. My breasts ached nearly as much as my pussy was as the clamps were placed. With the clamps in place, she continued down my body. She paused as she reached my thighs and adjusted herself so that her knees were between my thighs. Once again she was moving back until her hands were under my thighs, pushing them up and out to allow her mouth access to my now moist pussy. As her face got close she turned and began to kiss and suck on my thighs. I wanted to grab her head and force it to where no woman had been before. Once again, I resisted the urge. Once again, she looked up and our eyes met. Once again she asked. "Are you ok?" Once again, I nodded yes. But I clearly was anything but ok. "I am so hot!" I heard myself say. She moved her head into position and with another quick move her mouth was firmly attached to my pussy. It seemed as though she was licking and sucking and nibbling all at once. She moved up to my hard clit sucking it into her mouth. As I felt that nothing could get any hotter I felt the pull on my nipples as she tugged the chain attached to my hard aching nipples. I was overcome with passion and I reached down and pulled her head even tighter to my crotch. I moved my hips and arched my back as a flood of electricity coursed through my whole body. I came with more intensity than I ever had before. I reached down and pulled her up until she was lying on my body. We kissed and then rolled to our sides. I looked over to the bedside table and the clock said 9:05 PM. I heard a noise at the door. "That would be my roommate, Julie." Sandy explained. To my amazement the door opened and revealed the blond with the attitude from behind the front desk. "Are you guys still together?" She said with a knowing smile, as she pulled off her sweater revealing small "B" breasts that we quite a bit perkier than Sandy's. "Can I join?" She said as she slowly walked to the bed. She reached around and undid her skirt and slipped out of her panties. Her pussy was bald. Sandy stood up and removed the teddy, her pussy too was auburn, and bushy. They walked to each other and kissed. "Ummm good!" Julie said as they parted. My pussy warmed again as I heard them discussing my taste. "I need to get the boys by 10:00 PM." I interrupted. "The boys?" Julie said. "You have been a very naughty mommy this evening, haven't you?" Julie continued looking at my tossed hair. "Nipple claps! Does your husband know you like nipple clamps?" She said as she looked first at my breasts and then at the diamond on my left second finger. I left flush. "We'll get you out of here in time to get them, but I think you need to be punished for your antics with my roommate." With that she moved to the bed and somehow sat down, pulling me accross the bed and over her lap. She brought her hand down on my ass with a sting. Once, twice, three times. Once again my pussy warmed. Once again I felt flush. "What do you say?" She said as she brought her hand down with a forth smack. "I'm sorry?" I said, fighting back the tears. The slaps were not that hard, but they still stung and my ass warmed. "You are sorry?" She replied as she smacked my ass. "Sorry for what, for playing with my roommate, or for not letting me join – the –fun." Punctuating each of the last three words with a smack on my, by now, aching ass. "I'm sorry that you had to work while I came." I knew it was the right answer. "Well then, get on the bed!" She commanded. I was helpless to resist. Rocky Mountain "Hi" I reclined and opened my legs. She moved between my legs. But she positioned herself at an angle, not in line as had Sandy. Then I saw Sandy move to gain access to Julie's pussy. When she did, she placed her pussy where I could reach it by turning my head. I knew what was expected, but I resisted the urge. I heard a bussing noise coming from my thighs. I turned my head and saw that Julie had an "iRabbit." I gasped as she moved the vibrator to my pussy. I pulled my legs up and spread them. She pressed the vibrator against my quivering moist lips. She pressed and it slid in. She pressed until the shaft was fully in, it filled every bit of my love canal, then the vibrator touched my clit. I turned my head and buried my mouth into Sandy, sucking her as she had sucked me. I came, hard and as I did I intensified my efforts on Sandy. She came soon after and finally Julie let out a yelp as she shuddered and came in response to what I could now clearly see was the largest dildo I had ever seen slip out of her pussy. Sandy and Julie both slipped up to either side of me. "You are a very good girl." Julie said as she kissed me. As our mouths parted, Sandy turned by chin and kissed me again. "Yes, you were very good!" I managed to feel Julie's breasts, so much different than my own." We cuddled and kissed until 9:45 PM. "I need to run guys, I am so sorry" I said. "Yes, it is rude to eat and run." Quipped Julie. "Don't worry we will find something to do!" Smile Sandy. "Or someone to do" Julie chimed in. "We always, do. You know like we found you!" Julie explained that she had made me wait so she could talk to Sandy about me. "I hope you don't mind." Said Julie, but you looked so bored. "I don't mind. I had fun." I smiled as I left the room. I got to the meeting point, just in time. I still had to wait for the boys. "Sorry we were late. Thanks for bringing us up here." Said Tim. "Yes, thanks, we know we have been having all the fun." Chimed in Mike. "You didn't get too bored, did you mom?" Quizzed Jason. "I managed." I said. The drive back to the cabin was filled with the boys recounting their day to me. I could not concentrate, but just added and occasional "Wow." They didn't seem to notice. We got back and I insisted that they get to bed as we all had had a long day. Lucky for me they cooperated. I took a quick shower and retired. This time I was thinking not about what my husband might be doing, but about what I had done, and if or how I would explain it to him. And as I did, I drifted off to sleep. Rocky Mountain High FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson Hey, dude, your luck's changing. Didn't I see you out at MacMurdo's Friday night with some hottie? FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason Nope, no hotties in sight. Friday night I took my little sister out for a burger and a movie. She's a great kid, but I wouldn't call that a change of luck. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson Wait, that angelic brunette in the white sun dress was your sister? My God, man, you've been holding out on me! FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason Well, she does have brown hair, and she did have a white dress on now that you mention it. I don't know about angelic, though. The crap she used to pull on me when we were growing up... FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson Never mind that. Why didn't you ever tell me that you had a sister that hot? FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason You met her a few times when we were in high school. She's been up at McGill the last few years doing pre-med, though. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson I remember a skinny, dorky little kid with thick glasses and braces. Damn, I should have been nicer to her. FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason Yeah, you should have. She's filled out some and gotten rid of the glasses and braces. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson "Filled out" is an understatement. My God, man, you took her out in public in that dress? How many accidents did she cause? FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason She's just my sister. I catch your eyes on her chest, though, and I'll staple them shut. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson Mine and every other straight man's in sight. You better start buying staples in bulk. Is she single? Seeing anyone? FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason She's just back from Canada taking a break before med school. No men in sight. And no, I'm not setting her up with any horndogs. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson Horndog? You wound me. Would I ever treat your sister with anything but the utmost respect? FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason Not if you value your balls you won't. You know how many bull calves I've turned into steers on our ranch? I can do it in about ten seconds flat. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson Point taken. Seriously, though, would it be OK if I called her up? FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason I'll let you know. FROM: Mike Olson TO: Katie Olson Hey, Pipsqueak, you remember my friend Paul Mason from back in high school? FROM: Katie Olson TO: Mike Olson It's Katherine, you jerk. How many times do I have to say that? And yes, I remember my first crush. What girl doesn't? What about him? FROM: Mike Olson TO: Katie Olson He's back in town and I guess he saw us eating dinner the other night. Sounds like he wants to ask you out. You interested? FROM: Katie Olson TO: Mike Olson Maybe. Has he been bumming around here the last eight years? Still working at the IGA? FROM: Mike Olson TO: Katie Olson No, he's recently back in town after working off his West Point service obligations. Doesn't say much except that he was in Iraq and Afghanistan a lot. Still a pretty good guy, but don't tell him I said that. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Mike Olson And he's still good looking? FROM: Mike Olson TO: Katie Olson How the hell would I know? I'm not gay. Whatever he did in the service, though, he appears to have all the body parts he started out with. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Mike Olson Really? Maybe I need to investigate that further... FROM: Mike Olson TO: Katie Olson Don't you dare. I paid good money for your anatomy classes, and not so you could brush up with my high school buddies. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Mike Olson You? I thought it came out of my trust fund. FROM: Mike Olson TO: Katie Olson And who wrote the checks after Mom and Dad's accident? FROM: Katie Olson TO: Mike Olson Anyway, yeah, tell Paul Mason to call me. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels OMG!! Laura!! Remember how I thought coming back to small town Colorado would be boring? Guess who just asked me out? FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson What, Mr. Perfect is still there? Has he made Produce Department Manager yet? How much of a pot belly does he have? FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels That's CAPTAIN (ret.) Perfect if you don't mind. As in he just finished working off his West Point education and is taking a break before he starts a new career. I can't believe this! One week back in town and I've got a date with Paul! FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson Girl, you know you've got it going on. Didn't all those men chasing after you at McGill mean anything? What does it take to convince you? FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels Those were just a bunch of horny college boys. Paul's a grown man. I like that a lot. FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson Like you didn't think he was all that the whole time you were up here in Quebec? Even that English guy with the title and the castle didn't measure up to Paul the Bag Boy from Colorado. Seriously, honey, calm down. He may not be all you've built him up to be. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels Don't remind me of Lord Whatsit. I'm just glad I figured out what a conceited ass he was before that went too far. What am I going to wear? Oh God, Laura, I need you here, not 2000 miles away! FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson You could wear a feed sack from your brother's barn and that boy would be enchanted. Remember what we taught you? Show off your chest, legs, or butt, but only one at a time. You can do this. Christ, girl, you're a dead ringer for Carol Alt at the top of her game. You don't need a lot more than that. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels He never noticed me before. FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson That was then, this is now. Go get him, you sexy beast. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson Hey, Mike, just so you know, I called Katherine and I'm picking her up from your place for dinner Saturday night. FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason She better be home on time and no worse for wear. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson It's dinner, man. What do you think I am, a serial killer? FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason I think you've got the hots for my sister. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson I'd be a liar if I denied that but I don't abuse women. FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason Not that I've known of. Still, she means the world to me. After our parents died she's all I have left. Hurt her and I'll stop at nothing. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson You're scaring me a little, dude, but I swear I'm not out to take advantage. A dinner is all it is. I want to get to know her. FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason Well, I can't tell her not to. Have fun, but not too much. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels OMG! Laura! FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson What time is it? 3 AM? What's wrong with you? FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels Sorry, I forgot the time difference. I just got back from dinner with Paul! FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson And? FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels It was SO PERFECT! He took me to this small Italian place that opened up after I left town. We talked for HOURS! He did a lot in the Army, but he's ready to move on. He's got this, I don't know, gravitas? I mean, he's seen the elephant and doesn't get excited about all the stupid stuff most guys do. It's soooooo sexy. We went for a long walk and never got tired of it. He had to remind me that I needed to be home before Mike freaked out. So he took me home and, uh... FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson Don't leave that hanging. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels Whatever he did in the Army left him in great, muscular shape, and the guy kisses like it's his last chance. If Mike hadn't started making a bunch of noise in the house I'd probably still be tucked safe into Paul's arms on the front porch swing. FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson You're giving me hot flashes. That good? FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels BETTER. I used to daydream about kissing Paul when I was a little kid, but I never believed I'd like it this much. We're hanging out again in a couple days and Things are definitely going to Happen. FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson Slow down there. I know this is exciting but keep your panties on. Don't go nuts. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels I'm excited, not dumb. Not that I'm not tempted. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson Hey, could I borrow a couple of horses later this week? I was thinking about taking Katie for a ride out to Reflection Lake. FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason We've got enough of the damn things around here and most of them could use the exercise. You remember how to handle a horse? Knowing the Army, they probably still have a Horse Cavalry School, right? FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson Not that I ever saw, but yeah, I can still handle a horse. We grew up on them, remember? Some things you don't forget. FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason I'll tell the stable hands to set you up. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson That's it? No threats? FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason If you haven't gotten the message by now saying it again won't make any difference. If you think I'm any less serious about how much I love that kid, though, you're headed for a very painful experience. Anyway, she's had a smile on her face since your date the other day. Much as I hate to say this I think you may be good for her. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson I ain't much, but I'm trying to be good for her. She's a terrific girl. I'll stop by your barns first thing Tuesday? FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason Sounds good. FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson So how was the big date? I've been waiting to hear. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels Sorry, I was taking a long hot bath. God, I'm sore. FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson Didn't we talk about this, young lady? FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels From riding a horse, not Paul! Not that I don't like the idea. Last summer I was doing that NIH internship so I haven't actually been riding in a couple years. All my muscles are reminding me now. FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson What happened? I want DETAILS! FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels Paul borrowed a couple horses from Mike and we rode out to Reflection Lake. On the way there we came across some fresh grizzly tracks and Paul didn't get excited, just checked the bear spray and moved between me and where the bear was. I mean, I could have dealt with it myself- I grew up here too, after all- but it's nice to be with a guy who's so damn competent I don't have to. At the lake, he pulled a loaf of bread, some meat, and a block of cheese out of his saddlebag and we had a simple lunch. The lake looked so cool and I was sweaty from the ride, and I had go swimming. FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson You and your water obsession. You brought a swimsuit? FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels Nope, and I wasn't quite ready to go skinny dipping with Paul in the middle of nowhere. I think he liked my t-shirt and thong, though. FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson I'm sure he did. He controlled himself? FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels He's an absolute gentleman aside from the look in his eyes. We sat on a rock in the sun for a couple hours just drying off and chatting about life, until the sun started to go behind the mountains and we had to get dressed and start home. I took a shower while Paul unsaddled and fed the horses, and we had dinner with Mike and the hands. Paul fit right in with them, too. I'm past my dumb adolescent crush on him but I'm realizing that he's a genuinely good man. Such a great guy, and such a perfect day. FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson You in love, kiddo? FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels Maybe. I'm definitely headed that way. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels Laura! OMG! FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson Another installment of Mr. Wonderful? FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels You want to hear this or not? FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson Make it good. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels So last night we went out again and ended up back at his apartment. Looked military- spotlessly clean and nothing that couldn't be packed up in a couple hours. We end up cuddling on the couch and watching some movie- can't recall it now- and of course we started making out. It was a lot of fun, but he just wasn't taking the last step to close the deal. Dating a gentleman can be frustrating. FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson So? FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels I finally whispered that cheesy old line from Top Gun in his ear- you know, "Take me to bed or lose me forever!" Next thing I knew I was on his bed, dress gone, watching him strip off. I almost came right there. Muscles everywhere, well equipped, Lord that man is sexy! FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson OK, now I'm interested. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels You remember how we used to hang around the dorm giggling at those silly articles in Cosmo about "How to have Multiple Orgasms"? Well, I'm a true believer. All it takes is a strong, handsome man who can play a girl's body like Carlos Santana can play a guitar. FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson Like finding one of those is easy. Damn, I'm jealous now. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels I finally had to beg him to stop making me orgasm because I was getting overwhelmed. He got his fair share too, believe me. Only problem is, when I put my head on his chest to rest it was so comfortable I dozed off instead of going home like I had intended. FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson Sleeping in your man's arms doesn't sound so bad. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels Next morning I decided to try out one of those other Cosmo articles- "Ten Tips for giving a Better Blow Job". I only made it to #4 before Paul woke up, tackled me and made me come about five more times. It was great until my overprotective big brother caught me doing the Walk of Shame later that morning. There's going to be trouble, I can tell. FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason You want to explain why my sister snuck in at 9: 00 this morning wearing the same dress you took her out in last night? This better be good! FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson She was with me and she was safe. Anything more than that, ask her. FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason You're a dead man. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson You always talk about respecting her. How about practicing what you preach? FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason What the hell does that mean? FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson She's almost 23 and graduated from university with honors, and you still want to treat her like a 15 year old on her first date? She's an adult capable of making her own decisions. I promised that I would never take advantage of her or hurt her, and I haven't. Any other hangups you have are between you and her. FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason She was 15 when our parents died. I sure as hell wasn't ready to raise that kid and run a ranch at 20, but there was no one else to do it. I guess it's hard to know when to put that role down. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson Look at her, man. College graduate, plenty of offers from med schools, and she's sweet, stable, and well adjusted. I'd say you've done pretty well. Your mother gets the credit for the fact that she's gorgeous, of course, but you need to start letting go. FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason Maybe. I still don't like the idea of her staying out all night with a guy. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson She's old enough to do what she wants. Try not to think about it. It's the only way. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Katie Olson When do you leave for UW Medical School? FROM: Katie Olson TO: Paul Mason September. Why? FROM: Paul Mason TO: Katie Olson I've been offered a job with a civilian contractor at Ft. Lewis, 30 miles south of Seattle. Basically training people to do what I did in the service for about triple my Army pay. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Paul Mason I don't want you leaving Colorado just to follow me. You grew up here. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Katie Olson The only job offer I've gotten is at the IGA. I can't live on my last signing bonus forever. I've been hanging around mainly to spend time with this lovely girl I've gotten to know, but once you leave I don't have much reason to stay here. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Paul Mason You know that I'm not going to have time for anything but school, right? We won't be seeing much of each other even if you move out there. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Katie Olson Like I said, there's not a lot for me here one way or the other. I'm going to be working long hours too if I do this. You're going to be a great doctor and I want to support you any way I can. If that means backing off for a while I can live with that. OTOH, we could get a place to live together and that would be one less thing for you to deal with. I even know how to do laundry and buy food. Think about it. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels Laura! Help! FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson Now what? FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels Paul's talking about taking a job in Washington State near UW. He even suggested we move in together! He says he's not doing it for me, but I don't believe that. What am I going to do? FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson I thought you were in love with the guy. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels I am, but I don't know if I can handle moving in with him and starting medical school at the same time. I told him I wasn't going to have any time for him, and he just said he'd accept whatever it took to support me! Why does he have to be such a good guy? FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson A man who doesn't expect women to take care of him? Those are rarer than unicorns. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels Paul was self sufficient for so long in the Army that it's second nature to him. He's never asked me for help with anything, just has everything organized when and where it needs to be. I can't see how he does it. FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson Look, you can't go wrong by being honest. If you can't handle living with him, say so. There's nothing wrong with having him in easy reach if you need him, as long as he knows how busy you are. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Katie Olson Shit, there's no good way to say this. I'm being called back to active duty. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Paul Mason WHAT? I thought you were out of the Army! FROM: Paul Mason TO: Katie Olson Technically I was what they call Individual Ready Reserve. It's a way to keep your rank and finish out your commitment when they don't actually need you. I never saw this coming. With things in the Middle East going sideways, I guess they need people with my skill set again. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Paul Mason What does that mean for us? FROM: Paul Mason TO: Katie Olson I'm going overseas for at least a year. I'm thinking we should take a break until I get back. Having a boyfriend on deployment is a shitty life at best. I have no right to ask you for any sort of commitment, and you don't need distractions from med school. I should be able to Skype and email at least occasionally if you want to hear from me. Rocky Mountain High FROM: Katie Olson TO: Paul Mason IF I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU? I love you, you asshole. I'm going to worry about you one way or the other, so you better let me know you're OK every chance you get! FROM: Paul Mason TO: Katie Olson Don't say that, Katie. Not to be dramatic, but what I do is dangerous. Keep your options open. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Paul Mason You never did tell me what you do in the Army. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Katie Olson I can't by regulation. You need to believe that this was never just a summer fling to me. I am extremely, deeply in love with you. The next year is going to be chaotic for the both of us, though, and keeping this relationship going may be more than either of us needs to deal with. I really hope you'll still be around when I get back, but if you're not there's no hard feelings. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Paul Mason Don't be so damn noble, Paul. If I love someone it's not just as long as it's easy. I'm going to miss you and worry for you and pray for you and when you get back I'll be waiting for you. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson I stopped in Amsterdam on leave and spent a good part of my back pay on a big diamond. I'm hoping to put it on Katie's finger when I get home. I'm not asking for your permission, because (1) Katie would kill me and (2) I'm going to do it whether you like it or not. I did want to give you a heads up and ask for your blessing. Assuming of course that Katie will say yes. FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason Of course she's going to say yes, you dense son of a bitch. Haven't you figured out by now how much she loves you? And yes, you have my blessing for what it's worth. My only concern is that Katie still has a couple of years of medical school and internship to finish up. You better not derail that. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Mike Olson I have no problem with a long engagement if that's what she needs. I don't expect her to put me ahead of becoming a doctor now. I love that girl with all my heart, and I feel like I need to tell her that. FROM: Mike Olson TO: Paul Mason She knows it already, but there's no harm in making it official. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Katie Olson Hey, when's your break from school? FROM: Katie Olson TO: Paul Mason June. Why? FROM: Paul Mason TO: Katie Olson I'll be back by then. Ever hear of the Hale Koa? FROM: Katie Olson TO: Paul Mason Is that a tree? FROM: Paul Mason TO: Katie Olson No, it's a military hotel on Waikiki Beach. I get priority on my way back from deployment. How about going down there with me for a couple of weeks? We both could use a vacation. Sand, sunshine, palm trees... FROM: Katie Olson TO: Paul Mason That does sound good. I don't think I've seen the sun here in Seattle in the last six months. FROM: Paul Mason TO: Katie Olson I'll make reservations, then. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels Laura! Look! [hand.jpg] FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson Damn, girl, you going to be able to get your exam gloves on over that? FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels Who cares? Guess what happened? FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson Hmm. Your man who you've been desperately missing for the last year came home, grabbed you, and swept you off for a vacation in Hawaii. I hope you brought your Parcheesi board, because I can't imagine what else you might be doing to pass the time. Spare me the details, though. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels Stop teasing or I won't ask you to be the maid of honor! FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson Oh, hell, that's great. Congratulations. FROM: Katie Olson TO: Laura Daniels In the Hale Koa gardens overlooking Waikiki Beach at sunset, no less! My God, my fiance's good! Perfect day, perfect setting, perfect man... FROM: Laura Daniels TO: Katie Olson Stop before you make me sick. I'm happy for you, though. Really. FROM: Paul Mason TO: All Major (ret) Paul Mason and Dr. Katherine Olson, together with their families, request the honor of your presence as they are joined in matrimony at the Skyline Ranch on June 23 at 1: 00 PM. Rocky Mountain Kiefer Hitting the highway with a Harley sitting between your legs is one of the most thrilling things I’ve ever experienced. The sense of freedom, the power, like you’re riding a piece of a storm. There’s no better sensation to have while heading out on vacation. Unless, of course, you’re having hot, steamy sex with a very attractive man. Then it’s a whole new ball game. Pun intended. My name is Diane. I’m 30 years old. The reason I’m on the road on my Harley, Little Brother, is because my big brother Fred told me that I was going to get some R&R before he accepted any more assignments. My brother is also my manager. I do digital photography for a living. Most of the time I can’t go anywhere without it. This time was the lone exception. No cameras, no laptop. Only a cell phone for emergencies. I was going to die from technological withdrawal. Let me explain. Several weeks, or was it months, ago I was in a bar in Hollywood. A pool hall actually. Some drunk attacked me because I was admiring a tight ass from across the room as it was bending over to play a shot with a handsome man in tight leather pants. That ass, as it turned out, belonged to Kiefer Sutherland and the man in leather was Markus. Yes, that’s right. The actor and sometime director. What a way to meet, don't you think? Since that fiasco, Kiefer has been romancing me. First it was in a clearing behind the Hollywood sign, then it was on a secluded beach on the Mediterranean. Through a bit of trickery, I got an assignment to photograph Andalusian horses at a place called Castile de la Luna. It was owned by a Mr. Raoul Cordoba. Seems that Markus was his middle name. Kiefer and I had a wonderful two days of forgetting the world. However, the Gods of Entertainment decreed that Kiefer return to work long before he wanted to. So he left to appease them and I came home as well, though by a different route to confuse any nosy tabloid people. I was so emotionally drained and exhausted, I was in a slump. Nothing I did seemed right. I was that way for at least a week before my brother came over. Fred is a power house. When he wants you to do something, he’ll steam roll you into it unless you’re a really solid rock in his way. He came over to my place and all but packed me up and booted me out the door. Verbally, that is. He knows better than to try it physically. He handed me the directions, the reservation information, and a map. The little shit even signed me up for snowboarding lessons when I got there a week from that day. So, there I was, hightailing it up into the Rockies to get away from civilization, the paparazzi, and everything. It would take me about three days of hard riding to get to where I needed to go. But I didn’t mind. Riding out on a deserted highway with the wind in my face is better than hiding in a car with the AC on. All my cares are put on a top shelf when I ride. It’s perfect. The ride was fantastic. Even the fact that I crossed the border into Colorado in the middle of a snowstorm didn’t bother me. Although I did have the common sense to pull into a motel when the going got too bad. I made sure that my bike, Little Brother, was covered before I went into the room to unfreeze my riding leathers so I could get out of them and into a warm shower. That and a warm bed made all the difference. For some odd reason the mountains made me feel more alive, more aware of myself. It was almost Spring and the mountains were still dressed for Winter. Yet I could almost feel life stirring as my bike roared away from the last hotel within a very large surrounding area. At least any ones that I knew of. I wasn’t too worried. I knew how to rough it and camp out even in snowy weather. Fifteen miles from my destination and the sun starting to go down behind the mountains, my bike decided to have a tire problem. Namely, it hit a sharp stone in the center of the icy highway and blew out. Luckily for me, I had on chaps and sturdy jeans under that. Laying a bike down on black ice is not my idea of a fun time. Having no choice but to lay it down on your leg is painful and will ruin anyone’s day. Using one booted foot, I managed to shove Little Brother off my right leg and slide away from it into a snow bank. My bike slid a little bit further down the road and stopped, its motor still purring away like a passive, yet playful kitten. “Why me?” I asked to the growing darkness, “I haven't done anything bad this time around.” I groused and cursed fluently as I stood up, only to have my right leg buckle slightly. Testing it, I found I could put weight on it, even walk on it, but it was going to be a slow painful process. It was just one piece of shredded mess. The reason it buckled is because the kneecap was skewed slightly out of place and the whole outside of my leg, from hip to thigh, was missing a good patch of skin. By the time the moon came out from behind the trees, I had the bike off the road and into a small clearing. The emergency pouch I always keep with me had a small pup tent and two solar blankets, along with the requisite all weather matches. With the temperature dropping rapidly, I managed to get set up and a fire going in no time. Then I turned to little brother. The cause of the blowout was easy to spot, though it was quite a surprise to see. A spearhead shaped stone was wedged nicely between the rim and the tire itself. It took a bit of work, but I got it free and amazingly enough the tire was still intact. No tears, no bent rim, nada. It was strange to say the least. I set aside the stone an the tire and gazed at the fire, pondering my next move. Sleeping was on my mind, but so was staying alive. So I sat there and rubbed fresh snow into the road rash on my leg, gritting my teeth at the cold and pain. The injury wasn't that bad, but I wanted to stop the bleeding in case it attracted hungry animals. I didn’t feel like being a meal for anything cute and fuzzy that had very large teeth. I must have dozed sometime around midnight because I woke with a start, grasping the spearhead stone I had set aside earlier. It was dark and there was a heavy fog surrounding the area, like a huge cloud decided to land on top of the spot I was sitting in. The wispy tendrils of the fog drifted in and out of the trees like wandering ghosts searching for something. There was something mystical about sitting there next to a bed of red coals and watching the forest through the haze of the fog. The silence was absolute except for the drums in the distance. Wait a minute, Drums??? I stood up and started following the sound, hoping someone would be there to get a message to the lodge so they would worry. How long I walked, I don't know. But the drums seemed to beckon me onward into the night. I followed the sound to the shore of a lake. For some odd reason, it didn’t seem strange to me that there was a lake in the middle of a place where I rationally knew there wasn't one on the map. Suddenly, out of the trees came women dressed in buckskins. They all disrobed and waded into the water without a word. Two of them beckoned me, inviting me to join them in the water. Urged on by the drums, I removed my clothes, carefully folding and laying my clothes off to one side. The shredded pant leg gave me a bit of a fuss, but I got them off to one side. The only thing that wasn't coming off was the necklace. Turning, I waded into the icy waters of the lake, gasping as goose bumps worked their way up my spine. My nipples stood straight out like mini pointers and gave my nether regions a reason to shrivel and hide. The moment I got comfortable and completely wet in the water, the women converged on me. Gently, they lowered me until I was floating on my back. One of them produced something that looked to be a bar of soap, but smelled like sage. I was like a babe in arms as they gently and thoroughly washed my body and my hair, making me moan softly as their hands left nothing untouched. When they were done, they helped me to stand and leave the frigid waters. By now my blood was heated by the touch of the women, the cold that forced my circulation to adjust, and the thumping of my heart in time to the drums. I looked around for my clothes and found that they were missing. In their place was a belt with a beaded flap in front and back and a pair of buckskin leggings. Confused, I turned to ask the women, only to find that I was alone and only my foot prints were in the sandy shoreline. “I’m dreaming,” I thought as I donned the unfamiliar garments, having a slight problem with the unfamiliar buckle. But soon I was ready for whatever came next. Out of the fog came what appeared to be an old man dressed as the others had been. He walked with a staff and had feathers braided into his silver hair. Neither of us said a word as he motioned me to join him. Without questioning why, I came over to him and we stared at each other while the beat of the drums wrapped their sound around us and drew us together. The old man reached up to trace the scar on my face with a frown. Then touched the love bite on my neck. I couldn't help it. I blushed and the old man laughed and winked. But his eyes caught sight of the chest scar and and his hand splayed itself to cover it. Amazingly, I saw tears in his eyes as he traced the puckered edges. I found myself reliving that day and its aftermath. The old man pat patted my chest and grinned a tooth less grin as my mind played out the rest of the story to him. It was like he was reading the memories of the scars through his touch. I had to smile. After a moment or two, he took my arm and together we went towards the sound of the drums. I was a bit self conscious about being topless amongst a group of people, but somehow I couldn’t make myself form the words to voice it. We came upon a clearing, one that looked familiar yet didn’t because my tent and my bike weren’t there. In their place was a ring of trees. In side the ring were what appeared to be shuffling bears. As we approached, I could see this first image was wrong. It was a group of dancers, male and female, wearing bear skins with the head pulled low over their brows. The forepaws were draped over the shoulders and tied with a thong, the back legs were allowed to swing free. We got to the outermost ring of trees and stopped. Out of the fog came a warrior, tall and strong. I glanced at the old man, then at the warrior. Without asking I knew that this was his son. The family resemblance was unmistakable. In the warriors’ arms was a bears kin. Not just any skin, mind you, but the mighty grizzly that used to inhabit these mountains long ago. Not a word was said as the warrior draped the fur over my shoulders and tied it into place. The feel of the skin against my flesh was electrifying. The four inch long claws were laying directly over my nipples. As if the cold water hadn't made them hard enough, the tips of the claws tap tapping them as I moved made them painfully tight. Once I had the fur settled comfortably on my shoulders, the warrior and the old man pointed to the dancers. I nodded and placed a hand over my heart and lowered my head to them in gratitude. Looking up, I saw the old man wink at me, then make shooing motions at me. Laughing, I stepped across the threshold of trees to join the dancers. It was like entering a room filed with nothing but the sound of a heartbeat. Not knowing what to do, I swayed to the drums, finding the rhythm, letting my body do what it felt like doing. Because somewhere along the line, my rational mind went to its room to hide. I closed my eyes and the steps came to me. In the darkness, I danced an ancient dance of welcoming and of spirit. I felt all my fears, my concerns, my past pain, everything, flow out of me and into the ground. I don't know how long I danced, sweat pouring out of my body, but soon I became aware of a ripple amongst the dancers. I didn’t stop dancing, but I opened my eyes to see a large white form moving through a sea of brown. It was taller than the rest only because of the size of the robe. It danced around with first one, then another of the dancers. Male and female, it made no difference. It seemed like eternity before the dancer got around to me. The face was in shadow and yet, his body was familiar. If only I could have placed it. But I was captivated by the dance and rational thought was not an option. After what seemed like eternity, I became aware that the drums had stopped long ago. I glanced around the circle of trees and found that the dancers had disappeared. All of them except for the man in the polar bear skin. In the silence we both moved in sync with each other to a beat only the two of us could hear. In the center of the circle of trees, we danced. Suddenly, the man stopped and reached out with a hand towards me. But it was not a human hand that was placed on my chest over my heart. It was a massive polar bear paw. Gasping, I looked up the fore paw of the bear to see the dancer had raised his head to me, revealing a face that was almost as much of a shock as the paw on my chest. It was Kiefer’s face and naked body beneath the huge skin he was wearing. My heart beat a little faster at his image and I reached out to him. My hand hovered over his bare chest, then put my hand over his heart. It was human skin I felt, not the fur. When I opened my mouth to speak, he put fingers over my lips, then covered them with his own. I melted into his arms, arms which were now human. And yet I could still feel the paw of the polar bear pressing against my chest. I tried to pour all my feelings into that kiss. I wanted, and needed, him. I felt it then, a change. He pulled back and looked down with a grin. In my hand was a pulsing light. His heartbeat. In the polar bears paw was mine. With infinite slowness, we brought the two together to beat as one. A moment later the polar bear paw was a hand again, carrying part of the combined light to his chest. It was my hand that morphed into the polar bear paw and pressed the essence into my chest. It was only then that I realized that I now wore the visage of the Polar bear while he was wearing the Grizzly. Suddenly, a lethargy stole over my body. I was highly aroused and on fire, yet I couldn't do much about it as I fought to keep my eyes from drooping. In the far off distance, I heard that husky and all too familiar laugh. I thought I heard Kiefer’s voice say, “Soon, keeper of my heart, soon we will be together again. Never fear. But rest for now.” How could I ignore that? In seconds even conscious thought was gone. I woke with the morning sun peeking over the horizon and hitting me in the face. The memory of the night before, a vague memory of moving shapes and pounding drums. Though the lingering, and tingling, feeling of desire was still there. Just to make sure I was truly awake, I pinched myself, and winced. Yep, I was awake and still in the clothes I was wearing when the bike went down. Shaking my head in disbelief and passing it off as a dream, I stuck a can of fixaflat on Little Brother’s front tire, then began the process of cleaning up the camping area. Everything was fine until I got ready to leave after burying the ashes and making sure everything was as it was before I disturbed it. The first thing I noticed was the bear claw dangling from the handlebars on a beaded necklace. It wasn't there last night. The second thing was that my leg had been cleaned and neatly bandaged. I hadn't done that either. Last, but not least, the stone spearhead that had been on the ground next to my had last night, had somehow become attached to my front fender. Frowning, I looked around the place for whomever had messed with Little Brother. All that met my eye was pristine forest and tall trees. The sounds of birds and squirrels arguing or playing in the trees was enough to fill my heart with joy as I repacked the saddlebags and wheeled the bike out to the road. Thankfully, it was warm enough to melt the ice from last night into slush. I could live with that. Now all I needed to do is get the Harley running so I could get to the lodge. I checked little brother over. Except for a few dings and scrapes, it looked to be in good shape. So, after putting the necklace on and making sure it didn’t tangle with the locket, I secured my helmet on. Saying a prayer to the skies, I hit the starter switch. The resulting roar and vibration had me cumming all over the seat in spite of myself. The suddenness and the power of the orgasm almost had me dropping the bike like a novice on her first ride alone. I locked my legs in place and rode out the waves of delirious pleasure while growling out, “Damn you Kiefer!” The only man that ever got me going that much was Kiefer Sutherland. Just the thought of him made me ache with desire. Finally, I was able to kick the Harley in gear and make it the rest of the way to my destination without mishap. I got a few raised eyebrows at my appearance and an offer to have a doctor look at my leg. But I shook my head, explaining what happened. Oh not everything. I didn’t want to get locked up in the loony bin. Just that I laid my bike down on some black ice on the road up. That seemed to satisfy them. I took my key and went to the bungalow. The front desk said that I was their only tenant, which was fine with me. It was nestled into the trees away from the rest of the other cabins. It looked the same as any other secluded cabin in the area. Log cabin design, hardwood porch, sturdy door. Yep, if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. I parked the bike in the space provided and unlocked the door. Yes, it was the usual rustic cabin set-up. I started a fire in the fireplace and set about making myself comfortable in this hidey hole. I unpacked the saddlebags, removed my soaking wet clothes, and stood under a hot shower for a half an hour to get my body back to some semblance of normalcy. I checked my leg in the full length mirror and winced as I saw the extent of the `road rash’. But it was healing, thanks to the bandaging earlier, that I had removed to clean up in the shower. I fished out a new set of jeans and a T-shirt. Checking the info my brother gave me, I was scheduled to get snow boarding lessons tomorrow around noon. Great, I had an entire day to myself and nothing to do. My hands itched for a camera, or at least a lap top! I sighed, pulled on some boots, and slogged through the snow to the front desk. When I got there, I got directions to the nearest store. But I was advised to go slowly once I got near the ski lift area. I was told that some TV channel was taping an episode of some some sort. I smiled and shrugged. “Probably some documentary on the dangers and evils of Skiing,” I said. That got a chuckle or two. Ten minutes later, I did have to slow my bike down and stop actually. The local law had everyone stopped and parked along the side of the road and out of the way. It was fine by me, I wanted to see what was going on. Actually, I was the only person the cops had stopped because I was the only vehicle coming down the road from the lodge. They told me it’d be about an hour and I couldn’t go back or forward, now that the filming had started. Grumbling I flipped up the collar of my duster and tried not to feel the cold. I looked over in time to see a pair of guys working on the set looking at me. They put their heads together in a muted conversation before walking off into a tent. Shaking my head and stomping my feet to keep warm, I resigned myself to being very cold for at least an hour. I was keeping to myself off to one side of the road when yells and gunshots erupted from the other side of a screened off barrier. Startled, I jumped OVER my bike and into a ditch, covering my head with my hands. Hell, I didn’t know what was going on. For all I knew someone was killing everyone on the set. Rocky Mountain Kiefer I realized two things that, in my flying leap to not get injured, I had forgotten a few things about pre-spring seasons. One, ditches are filled with cold water and squishy soft mud. And two, landings are not soft. I lay there in the mud and wet, trying to catch my breath when people came pounding up and looking around, all wearing some sort of logo on their jackets. It was kind of hard to see when I was scraping frozen mud out of my eyes. “Are you okay? What happened?” the lead guy asked as he got halfway down the ditch to offer me a hand out. I grabbed the hand and we made our way up the bank. “What the hell are you guys doing over there?” I looked at him as we got to the top, “One minute I’m trying to keep my feet from going numb, next thing I know there’s screams and gunshots going off. “ The guy handed me a towel when we hit the top of the bank and said, “We were shooting a scene for a TV show. That cop was supposed to warn people that he stopped about the gunfire.” He frowned and directed a glare at the smirking cop. I growled, “Obviously he thought it was more fun to watch the cold woman on a Harley get even colder by jumping in a ditch.” I toweled off my hair and sighed, then turned to the guy, “I know they may not go for the idea, but I’m soaked to the bone and I promise not to be in the way. But I need to get out of the open air and at least get a little bit warm before I head to town for supplies.” He nodded then walked over to the cop and had some heated words for the guy. The cop just stood there and grinned at him. The guy walked back to the tents and flipped open one of the doors. I sat there with a towel over my head, shaking as I looked at the cop. I don't know what it was about him that set me off. But I was slowly getting very pissed. When he turned to look at me, I felt my face go completely blank. My eyes lose all emotion as I watched him. He must have seen something really bad in my face because he started backing up and had his hand on his pistol butt when a group of people came out of the tents. One of them just happened to be the cop’s superior. His boss took one look at the situation and proceeded to ream out the kid. Shaking my head I turned to look at the crew boss who grinned, “C’mon in and get warm. There’s coffee and towels waiting. Don't worry about your bike. We’ll keep an eye on it. For now, let’s just get you out of the cold and into a dry room with a heater.” I sighed and nodded, “Thanks, much appreciated.” I said over the argument ensuing with the cop and his boss. Inside the tent, I was handed coffee and another towel to attempt to wipe the mud and wet off my clothes. All I had planned on doing today was going to town, getting fresh clothes and supplies, then coming back to the bungalow. Now I was muddy, wet, I had melting snow in my boots and I was hiding in a tent used by a TV filming crew. Thankfully, there was a propane heater I could get at least a modicum of dryness out of my clothes. Sipping my drink, I listened to the sounds outside. Not just the director or any one person. But the entire thing. I’d never been in this sort of situation before. I took a step towards the tent flap that opened onto the set. I didn’t know what to expect when I opened the thing slightly and peeked out. It looked like something out of a war zone. There was a car upside down, a twisted wreckage of a bike off to one side, and black marks in snow. I tensed and looked around at the director and the crew. Everyone was milling about on a break, I thought, until a woman’s voice screaming, “FUCK YOU!” I whipped my head around. I saw her, then. She was storming off to a truck. Pausing along the way she yelled, “I QUIT THIS SHIT!” at the top of her lungs. “Find your own little bitch to do the stunt. I’m cold, tired, and I can afford to drop this damned show!” There was a collective groan coming out of everyone. “Now what the fuck are we gonna do?” came the director’s voice. “We haven't got another person willing to do the motorcycle scene.” he slapped his forehead and said, “Okay, everyone, take a break.” The crowd broke up, each to it’s own little clique. One of the guys that had came out to hand me a towel, saw me and came over. I smiled, “Okay, what’s the problem, what happened?” I refilled my coffee from the pot. “What was the prima donna of a bitch quitting over?” He sighed. “It’s a jump stunt for the episode. The lady was supposed to jump the car as it exploded. The car’s upside down and the gas tank blows just as she was flying over it. It’s an easy stunt to do, but Sheila kept finding stuff she objected to. Now we’re out a stunt lady and a crucial stunt.” He shook his head. I was looking out at the car, then at the line of bikes off to one side. Muttering something about me being insane enough, I looked at him. “How high up and how far is this jump supposed to be? And do they still have the safety gear handy?” Stunned, he looked at me up and down. “I.. I .. I don't know. Um, lemme go get the stunt coordinator.” He dashed out the door, returning moments later with the man responsible for the stunts on this site. “I hear you’re asking about the stunts," he said. “Yeah,” I said, “You’re out the only female stunt person on the set from what I can see and this thing is one of the crucial pieces of this episode?” He nodded warily. Then told me the details of the stunt. I chuckled and shook my head. “I must be insane. But I can do this stunt for you if you’re willing to give me a chance to do it. All I want as payment is a couple new sets of jeans and T-shirts and a steak dinner.” That erupted into a round of denials and all that, bringing the director into the tent. Thankfully, the poor guy was desperate and over-ruled everyone. “She flies as soon as she can get set up,” was all he said and walked out. Defeated, the guy shook his head and grinned. “Okay, let’s get you set up while I get you up to grade on the safety gear and all that. What’s your name, by the way?” I smiled, “Diane Mulvany.” I said. “And the Harley sitting out on the road behind the curtain is my bike.” I pointed, then settled in to listen to the safety lecture intently. I asked a few key questions and worked out a little bit more of the stunt before the actually suiting up. In the stunt shed, I peeled off my wet clothes and got into the dry jeans and a shirt. Over that went the chaps and jacket specially coated with fire-retardant. Thankfully, I would have a full face helmet and neck brace in case I fell. The Coordinator’s name was Jon. He was double checking everything I put on. “How does that feel? too tight? too loose?” I could tell he was concerned about having an unknown pulling off this stunt. “Jon, take a chill pill. “ I said to his face after about the fourteenth time of him asking me all these questions. “My adrenaline level is already high enough. You being a nervous hen around me is jacking it higher than I need it to be.” I laughed, then donned the half gloves he handed me. He smiled a bit, then said, “Try not to get too cocky out there.” We headed out the side tent flap and I put on the helmet, cinching it down and put on the neck protector. A radio crackled in my ear and Jon’s voice came over it. “Check Check, sound check.” I gave him a thumbs up and said, “Loud and clear. By the way, I have a question to ask. Which TV show are we doing this for? I know it’s kind of stupid, but hey, a girl has to have prerogatives, right?” I laughed into the mike. A pause and Jon’s voice had a smile to it. “The TV show is 24.” He took my stunned silence for awe, “Yeah I know. But hey, it’s just a TV show. Now take a couple test jumps at it and we can get this show on the road.” His voice took on a note of derision as he said, “The prima donna star of the show is getting antsy and wants to get rocking.” Swallowing my nervousness, I rode the rice rocket back to the starting point. It looked to be a road of some sort made up for the scene. I counted to ten under my breath and gunned the engine, then popped the clutch on the rice rocket. It was a straight shot to the hidden ramp and I hit the sweet spot the first time. Up and over I went and landed on target. I hit it a second time as well. No problems. Jon came running up, grinning. “You sure you haven't done this before?” I shook my head and flipped up the visor and looked at him. “Nope. But I’ve learned the value of how to stay on airborne vehicles. All it takes is one angry horse with no bit.” I grinned. “So, are we ready to rock and roll on this or do we need to run it again?” He looked at me and patted me on the helmet. “You’re good to go. Just wait for my signal.” With that he stood off to one side and I heard him through the helmet going through he safety checklist. I went through my own mental checklist and I chuckled, “Jon, I hope you’re getting my clothes washed. Because I’m not about to go jumping into muddy ditches again.” I closed the visor and watched him laugh. “And get that fucking cop off road duty. He’d most likely lapse into hysterical laughter if someone had truly hurt themselves jumping into the ditch.” I saw him nod silently. I revved the bike up to speed, holding the brakes in until the last moment. At his signal, my world was a ten second ride. From the time I let go of the brakes till I hit that ramp, my world focused on that car. I hit the sweet spot of the ramp, was up in the air when they blew the car. I grunted as I was caught in the wall of flame and the blast shoved the bike up a bit higher than normal. But, amazingly enough, I came down on two wheels and rode off down to the other end of the strip. Only then did I hear, “Get off the bike! It’s gonna blow!” I didn’t question anything, I dove for cover. I had to laugh, because, for the second time today, I was face down in wet mud. The resulting explosion of the bike rained debris everywhere. But other than that, I was fine. The leathers and the water protected me from stuff. “Yeah, I’m fine. “ I answered the frantic call. “I hope you got the shot you wanted.” and heard a laugh on the other end. I had a thought, “Jon? Where is the star of the show?” A pause. “Currently? He’s over with the director looking at the shot.” I nodded to myself and rose, dripping wet, from the snow and mud. “Don't tell him who it was that did the stunt. I’d rather be anonymous.” I grinned to myself, wondering what Kiefer would say to that. “If he gets insistent, tell him to be at the top of the slopes tomorrow around 4.” That earned me a laugh or two. “Okay. 4 p.m., top of the slopes. Now get your butt back down to the shed while Kiefer’s distracted,” came Jon’s voice. I managed to make it most of the way to the shed before Kiefer noticed, or sensed something odd. His head came up and he looked around. I felt his eyes on my helmet as I made it to the shed. I took all my willpower not to look at him. I murmured into the mike. “Keep him busy until I get my Harley out of here.” ************* Two hours later, I was back at my bungalow. The sun was setting in the hills and I had a full steak dinner in front of me, supplies in the small kitchenette, and warm clothes. It was good. Also on a side mantle was several items from the shoot that the crew supplied. Including the script that everyone autographed for me. Even Kiefer’s name was on there in a very elegant cursive. Smiling to myself, I waited. Patiently, I might add. At moonrise, I took the two wine glasses out of the freezer and popped the cork on the wine bottle. The smell of the dark red wine was intoxicating in itself. No, it wasn't the bottle that Markus sent home. It was a bottle I bought in town after the day’s excitement. It was perfect for what I knew would be happening tonight. Don't ask me why Kiefer wouldn't wait until tomorrow. At 8 p.m., I opened the door and stepped out onto the porch. The chilled air was warmer tonight somehow. But it had the scent of spring that made even the air tingle with excitement. Or maybe it was just me. I don't know. But I knew that every nerve in my body was tuned up tonight. He was in the main office even though I couldn't see it. I knew it. I set both wine glasses on the railing of the porch and set out a few candle lanterns that hung from hooks in the rafters. Then I leaned back in the shadows to wait. It didn’t take long. He came out of the shadows and up the road from the office. From the slowness of the gait, I knew he was almost confused as to why he was coming here instead of heading back to his own bed. Kiefer got up the steps and glanced around, trying to see in the darkened shadows. He didn’t see me, but he did see the glass of red wine on the railing. Picking it up he sniffed it and took a minute sip. Looking around once again, he said, “I know you’re here. I can feel you. How, I don't know.” I stepped into the candle light, clad only in a terrycloth bathrobe and some loose sweatpants. I attracted his gaze immediately. Attracted it and held it as I came forward to place a hand on his chest over his heart. His own hand touched mine. We both started as if an electrical current had zapped us. “You had the same dream I did, didn’t you?” I asked in a soft whisper. Speechless, he nodded. He took a big drink of his wine and then looked at me, “Keeper of my heart?” He shook his head. “I don't believe this.” He ran a hand over his face as I walked into the circle of his arms. “Believe it, Kiefer Sutherland. It happened.” I leaned in and sighed. “Something happened to us out in these woods last night while we were both sleeping.“ I smiled. “And I’m not going to fight it.” I looked up at him. Just in time to have his lips swoop down and capture mine. That did it. The earth moved, the stars exploded, and my feet left the ground as Kiefer handed me his wine glass to hold while he lifted me into his arms. Growling, he said, “I should spank you for that little stunt this afternoon!,” as he blew out the candles, then carried me across the threshold. He looked around the room and laid me on the bed, showering my body with frantic kisses. Gasping, I said, “If I hadn't offered, you would still be shivering out there in the cold and I would still be covered in mud and icy water from the ditch.” My hands pulled off his shirt and went to work on his pants, reveling in the feel of him in my arms again. “No more talk,” he gasped out as he pulled off my sweat pants and shed what was left of his pants. If there had been any underwear, I didn’t see them. And then it didn’t matter because with one, swift thrust, he was inside me. No foreplay was needed, no preliminaries, just a good hard thrust and we both were in bliss. I saw the stars as an orgasm rocked my body at his rough entry. He didn’t wait till I came down to start moving. Like a starving woman, just the feel of him after several days without was enough to send me into a frenzy of sexual need. I moaned and clenched down with my inner muscles, growling in pleasure as I heard him gasp above me. I relented and started matching his rhythm with my own until I couldn't tell the beginning of one orgasm from the end of the last one. Suddenly, Kiefer let out a hoarse yell of pleasure and thrust deep. Shuddering, his body continued to twitch with aftershocks. I rose up to lick the hot sweat from his chest, reveling in the taste and feel of him. A soft growl escaped his lips as I nipped lightly while licking. Seconds later, he collapsed in a boneless heap on top of me. Oh, not from any ailment, just from exhaustion and satiation. He rolled off to one side and spooned against me with a sigh. He slowly nuzzled my neck and lovingly held me as we both returned to normal breathing and heartbeats. He hugged me to him. “When I realized who it was that was in the air over the explosion, my heart about stopped. And when the bike did explode, I stopped breathing.” His arms tightened around my body. “Don't ever do that to me again. Not even if it means the shoot goes faster! I wanted to strangle the stunt coordinator for even thinking of accepting the offer!” I snuggled close. “I wouldn't have known it was the stunt shoot if that bastard of a cop had told me that the gunshots were blanks. “ I snorted derisively. “He didn’t and I wound up leaping into a ditch to get covered in snowy mud and ice. Your crew, apparently, saw what happened and got me in someplace warm. Problem was, I heard the little prima donna’s outburst.” I chuckled. That earned me a small laugh. “She knew the stunt we wanted, and yet she still found things wrong with it.” He heaved a sigh. “Then she made the mistake of going toe to toe with the stunt boss and the director. As you heard, she lost the fight.” I closed my eyes. “I promise not to offer to do stunts again that require me to be blown up or set on fire,” I grinned, then looked back at him. “Will that work?” He sighed. “All I want to do is keep you safe and wrapped up in a cocoon somewhere. A place where nothing will harm you.” He sighed. “But I can't do that and we both know it.” He laid back and stared at the ceiling. I rolled over and laid my head on his chest. “No you can't. But for now, we can just let the rest of the night drift away before you get back to work and I follow my brother’s orders about recharging without my camera, a computer, or a phone.” His arms came around me and the last thing I heard from him before we both went to sleep was, “You’re going to need a lot more recharging after we’re done.” And then came the soft growling laugh. “And your brother can take his nose and go to hell.” With that, the sandman took us off to dreamland where two bears played under the open skies with a full moon.